Pope Francis’s Condition Stable After Respiratory Crisis, Vatican Says

Pope Francis remains in stable condition after a respiratory crisis needing non-invasive ventilation, though his prognosis remains guarded, the Vatican says.

Pope Francis speaks during the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican on Feb. 12, 2025. Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

Pope Francis was in stable condition on Saturday following a respiratory crisis on Friday that required him to undergo non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican has announced, adding that his prognosis remains guarded.

In a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office on March 1, Vatican officials confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff continues to receive non-invasive mechanical ventilation and long periods of supplemental high-flow oxygenation to support his breathing.